NYC Doctor Fired Over Social Media Post
On Tuesday, News sources confirmed that a New York City emergency room doctor, Dana Diab was fired for making controversial posts online that applauded Hamas’ recent massacre at a music festival in southern Israel. Diab, who was an emergency room physician at Lenox Hill Hospital and Brookdale University Hospital & Medical Center, shared a video of the heinous Oct. 7 attack on her Instagram Stories.
According to a screenshot shared by Stop Antisemitism on Twitter, Diab wrote, “Zionist settlers getting a taste of their own medicine,” in reference to the attack that resulted in the deaths of over 1,400 Israelis. In a separate post, she had over 600 followers with a Palestinian flag emoji in her bio.
The hateful posts sparked outrage online, with many calling for Diab to be fired. In response, Northwell Health released a statement confirming Diab’s termination and apologizing for the hurt and offense her comments caused. They emphasized that her views do not represent the values of Lenox Hill Hospital and Northwell Health, and they do not condone any form of hate or intolerance.
NYC - Dr. Dana Diab is an ER physician at Lenox Hill (@lenoxhill).
Dina Diab took to Instagram rejoicing Zionist settlers [aka jews] were murdered, raped, beheaded, and kidnapped by the Hamas terror group on Saturday October 7th.
Jewish patients beware. pic.twitter.com/uS71Qz5oJh
— StopAntisemitism (@StopAntisemites) October 16, 2023
This incident has raised concerns about the safety and well-being of Jewish patients at Lenox Hill Hospital and the impact of such hateful rhetoric from a medical professional. One X user replied to the announcement, “Many Jewish folks are pretty scared to come to this hospital.” Chaskel Bennett, an activist, added, “Her public praise of Hamas’s crimes against humanity disqualifies Diab from treating Jewish patients or any patients for that matter.”
NYC Health + Hospitals also released a statement, saying, “Social media has the opportunity to accelerate better outcomes. When we see it used for inciting rage or hatred or retaliation, for me that is the worst possible way in using a tool that can be used to inform us.”
News outlets spoke to patients and staff outside Lenox Hill Hospital, who were shocked and disturbed by Diab’s posts. A woman named Adel, born and raised in Israel, said, “It shows that [Diab is] ignorant, anti-Semitic and just not a good human being.” Joan, who grew up in New York with Jewish parents, expressed concern about the impact of Diab’s posts on her past patients and the need for accountability.
We've been alerted to discriminatory comments that appear to have been posted by a team member regarding the crisis in the Middle East. These views don't represent Lenox Hill Hospital & Northwell Health & go against our core values. We are investigating & taking immediate action.
— Northwell Health (@NorthwellHealth) October 16, 2023
The Israel-Palestine conflict has been ongoing since 1947. However, the recent attacks by Hamas have sparked international outrage and concern for the safety of Palestinian civilians caught in the crossfire. In response to the escalation of violence, the Wexner Foundation severed ties with Harvard University over the school’s failure to condemn a statement signed by over 30 student groups that held Israel responsible for the attacks.
The termination of Dr. Dana Diab has brought attention to the importance of holding medical professionals accountable for their public statements. It also serves as a reminder of the power and impact of social media and the responsibility that comes with it. As tensions continue to rise in the region, it is crucial for all parties to promote peace and understanding, rather than inciting hate and violence.